The Gay Auckland Business Association Charitable Trust has announced that $11,430 was raised at the GABA charity auction held at Ponsonby's Safari Lounge on Sunday.
"Reflecting the difficult economic times, the amount raised was a bit lower than in past years," says Trust Chair Geoffrey Marshall. Last year's auction raised almost $16,000. "However, it was a great evening, thoroughly enjoyed by all," he says.
The funds raised with go towards worthy groups and events in the LGBT community - with details of recipients to be announced in coming months.
Fast-talking auctioneer Michelle Maitland encouraged attendees to empty their wallets for the good cause, Steven Oates was MC, DJ Raj and pianist Ben Tapene provided the mood music, Swish Cocktails did the catering and Team Auckland Master Swimmers along with the Flirt Police held up the items for bidding. On behalf of the GABA team, Marshall extends a big thanks to all who provided their time and energy.
Before bidding started, Marshall introduced the twowinners of the GABA Charitable Trust Tertiary Scholarship. Inaugurated this year, the scholarship is intended to assist an 'out and proud' secondary student with their first year of tertiary study. The winners were Tammy Webster from Westlake Girls High School and George O'Donnell from Kelston Boys High School.
Marshall said that the Trust was so pleased with the high calibre of applicants that the Trust decided to celebrate the scholarship's first year by awarding two recipients.
